Review of Case-parts collection of cases/armband with lots of pics!Tips

I'm switching my gears a little bit to step down from all the premium cases I have reviewed so far and to focus on a handful of budget cases from Wholesale Apple Accessories, Cell Phone Accessories, Mobile Phone Parts from China where you can get each one for a few dollars. These are probably even cheaper than ebay, but you do have to pay some shipping shipping. Lately I didn't have much luck with ebay where either they ship a wrong stuff, or description is different from pictures, and there is a hassle to exchange or refund the money. I have purchased from case-parts/tvc-mall (the same place) many times in the past and always been happy with their products and customer support.

First one is a hybrid TPU case with a very unique design of molded flexible hard plastic bumper and soft tpu textured back. The hard plastic bumper grips phone very securely around the edges and provides a nice corner protection. Although slim, it offers a raised lip to keep the display away from the surface, and also provides a nice friction for the front and the back of the phone so it will lay flat and won't slide. All the cutouts are perfect, power/volume buttons are covered and not hard to push, and it even offers a bonus of two small corner holes to attach lanyard. The 3D cube texture on the back is really cool too. Wholesale Cool 3D Cube Texture TPU & Plastic Hybrid Case for Samsung Galaxy S 4 IV i9500 i9505 - Black - Samsung Hard Cases

The next case is something for the ladies with it's shiny electroplating finish and rubbery diamond cut back pattern with rhinestones. Although having a fancy sparkling finish, this case is very slim and lightweight. Buttons are open for direct access of power/volume, and top bottom are exposed as well. You still have a side lip to keep the phone off the surface if placed down. This case is obviously more for the looks rather than protection. But I have to tell you it does look very fancy and sparkly, and stones are actually recessed. Wholesale Electroplating Shiny Starry Sky Rhinestone Hard Case for Samsung Galaxy S 4 IV i9500 i9505 - Black - Samsung Hard Cases

If you want to have the slimmest and the most minimalistic protection for your S4, you have to check out this hybrid tpu/plastic bumper case. Since this is a bumper, you don't have the back cover. But the bumper is nicely wraps around the phone, raising front and the back from touching the surface. Bumper is made out of clear flexible plastic material with a molded tpu rubber edge. Buttons are covered, flexible, and easy to push. All the port openings are perfectly aligned. This one gives your S4 a bumper/corner basic protection without adding any bulk. Wholesale TPU & Plastic Hybrid Bumper Frame Case for Samsung Galaxy S 4 IV i9500 i9502 i9505 - Transparent / Black - Samsung Bumpers

Next Folio leather case was definitely a pleasant surprise. You don't expect much for $3.60 case until you open it up. This is a very nicely
crafted wallet folio case with a magnetic latch. The wallet part of it has 3 slots for credit cards and drivers license with an additional wide slot for some cash. On the other side of the wallet you have a slim plastic shell/case to hold the phone. The phone goes in very secure, definitely will not fall out of it even if you drop it. You get cutouts for power/volume for direct access, and also cutouts for camera/flash and speaker. This way if you want to take pictures, you don't have to take the phone out of the case, just open the flap. The top and the bottom of the case are open so you can connect headphones and use charging cables without taking phone out. Also, it's very nicely padded to give you a decent drop protection while magnetic latch/flap will keep it closed if you drop it. As a bonus, you can open and prop the case in landscape mode to watch movies. Wholesale Folio Leather Wallet Case Cover for Samsung Galaxy S4 S IV i9500 i9505 - White - Samsung Leather Cases

Last one is an armband case to keep your S4 securely next to you while exercising, running, biking, etc. It's made out of quality neoprene material with adjustable velcro band. The front of the case has a soft pu leather material and a reflective strip around the display window. The transparent rubber/vinyl window allows you to control touch screen for basic functions. You can also push on Home button through the case, but obviously you don't have access to back and menu buttons. The top of the case flap has a cutout for headphones. Also, there is a little side pocket for a key. Overall a very functioning armband to keep your phone attached securely to your arm through any physical activity. Wholesale Sports Workout Gym Running Armband Case for Samsung Galaxy S 4 IV i9500 i9505 - Black - Samsung Armbands